Students reject University of Ottawa code of conduct Right to dissent and freedom to organize threatened under proposed measures

OTTAWA - All across campus, University of Ottawa students are outraged by the discovery of a University of Ottawa draft policy that proposes to impose harsh academic sanctions such as suspension and revocation of financial aid for behavior not related to academics.

This Non-Academic Code of Conduct, drafted without student consultation, targets students and their rights to freedom of expression, of mobilization, and of assembly on campus. The Code uses language that clearly could be used to silence critics of the administration or to forbid lawful actions, such as a strike and other legitimate means of protest.

For students who are found to have committed "offences" under this Code, penalties are given at the discretion of the President. As there are no guidelines, penalties will be arbitrary and create an unfair system of prosecution. The appeal process lacks transparency, impartiality, and a guarantee to a fair hearing.

Students are critical of the undemocratic process through which the Code is being rammed.

"I am shocked that this policy is being pushed through at the end of the school year when most students are busy with exams or with thesis presentations," says Samantha Ponting, a third year International Development student. "Not only is this an attempt to restrict student rights, but the timing is such that the majority of students won't even be here to have a say in this."

Despite being exam period, word is quickly spreading and student dissent is growing. In less than 24 hours, over 500 signatures have been collected on paper and online petitions and students are actively organizing to stop the Code. Campus unions, professors, and community members have expressed their support for students.

"This past academic year has seen a very high level of student involvement in University affairs, and the development of the Code is being seen as an attempt to counteract the progress students have made in having their voices heard," says Federico Carvajal, a Masters student in Electrical Engineering. "This Code represents a major assault on students' freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. We have a right to have our voices heard in how this University is governed and we will not give up that right."